A House of Commons committee recommends a moratorium on the use of facial recognition technology by federal police and Canadian businesses, unless there is court clearance or consultation with the Commissioner’s Office. Protection of private life.
In a report tabled Tuesday, the Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics also urges the government to develop a regulatory framework regarding the uses, prohibitions, monitoring and protection of privacy with regard to this emerging tool.
Facial recognition technology compares an image of a face to a database of millions of photos, in order to identify an individual.
MPs on the committee say appropriate privacy protections should address issues such as the accuracy, retention and transparency of facial recognition initiatives. They also recommend a comprehensive strategy on the informed consent of Canadians to the use of their personal information.
MEPs also want the government to amend the Privacy Act to prohibit the private sector from capturing images of Canadians from the internet or public spaces for the purpose of feeding databases. facial recognition technology data or artificial intelligence algorithms.
The committee is of the opinion that the current legislative regime in Canada is not sufficient to adequately regulate facial recognition technology and artificial intelligence.
“Without proper guidance, facial recognition technology and other artificial intelligence tools could cause irreparable harm to some individuals,” the report concludes.
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